Reaction of Daniel Levy’s Arsenal ‘arch-nemesis’ to Tottenham exit revealed
Daniel Levy’s former closest rival has revealed how he reacted to the news of the former Tottenham executive chairman stepping down.
After almost 25 years Levy stepped down at Spurs in a sudden and shock departure at the north London club.
Football Insider exclusively revealed following Levy’s exit that two parties are interested in taking over Tottenham.
Tottenham fans were pleased with Levy stepping down, with many having protested in recent seasons about the leadership at the top of the club.
David Dein’s position on Daniel Levy revealed
Writing in his column for The Times [7 September], former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan revealed the reaction from former Arsenal co-owner and vice-chairman David Dein.
Jordan claimed that Dein was surprisingly positive about Levy’s tenure at Spurs, writing: “I spoke to Dein on Saturday morning, maybe expecting the Arsenal man to express some gleeful schadenfreude at his former counterpart’s departure.
“Dein’s view? ‘Daniel hasn’t done a good job at Spurs. He’s done a sensational job.’ So even his arch-nemesis and closest rival admires him.
“What’s more, Dein told me that there were echoes of his own north London demise. ‘He was Mr Spurs and I was Mr Arsenal. Maybe the other directors and shareholders suffered from jealousy and envy and wanted to clip his wings? It happened to me. It was ruthless and it was ugly.’
“Recollections may differ, of course.”
Daniel Levy leaves Spurs in a better place
Football Insider Verdict
Praise off your closest rival may count for little consolation to Levy, as Spurs head in a new direction without their long standing executive chairman.
Spurs fans will be hoping the new era will unveil new ambition from the club to build on their success in the Europa League, and the promising start which has been made under Thomas Frank.
| Trophies won during Daniel Levy’s time at Spurs |
| League Cup 2007/08 |
| Europa League 2024/25 |
One of Levy’s last decisive actions was to appoint Frank as manager following the ruthless sacking of Ange Postecoglou.
Levy was known for a turnover of managers throughout his time in north London, though there is no doubt he leaves the club in a better position than when he started out.
Dein’s former club Arsenal may still be ahead of Levy’s Spurs, but since the years when their rivalry was in full swing there is little argument the latter have bridged the gap.